Jeff Saunders eager to get going
By Glen McCrory:
It’s a pity Jeff Saunders was unable to make his pro debut at Gateshead Leisure Centre last night. 7
Disastriously, the paperwork was not ready in time for him to fight. As someone with Army links myself, I was looking forward to seeing him turn over from fighting for the services – where he had an excellent amateur career – into the paid ranks. I was very impressed with the way the 23-year-old from Sedgefield handled himself in the pre-fight press conference and, thanks to my friends from Ringside, there was more attention on him than most debutants. His brother Bradley casts a long shadow, but looking at Jeff’s amateur record, there’s every reason to be optimistic about his future. The good thing about being Bradley’s brother is that he will not be short of good advice. Their parents, Tracey and Jeff Snr, have always supported both of them well, as I know from having worked with Bradley during his amateur days. Jeff has had the chance to see first hand what big fight nights are like, twice walking Bradley to the ring at Newcastle Arena, where both men will fight in April. It’s great that opportunities are opening up for North East fighters, and I’m pleased to see promoters Steve Wraith and Danny Cox pushing our youngsters forward.